narrow boat?

[westo123]

A bit of an out there question I know but my son is about to buy a narrow boat in London as he can't afford a property, anyone know about them, what to look for/avoid etc?
He has googled and researched but all knowledge is useful.

[hipo1024]

I have looked into it, it's the costs involved that need the most attention (mooring costs, permit coats, use of facilities etc etc etc) also worth noting that boats are more like caravans than houses in that their value generally goes down not up. Otherwise I know nothing about them lol

[RatCav]

Gas and electrical safety tests are up to date. Usual things with the engine. Hull integrity i.e. damp. Also look for signs of damp around windows and roof line. Once in a while it will have to be lifted out of the water and have the hull blacked and anodes replaced.

[AskDean]

And don't forget plenty of mind your head signs

[westo123]

Many thanks guys, will pass all this on.

[AskDean]

Definitely make sure you ask to see the dry dock report from the last time it was taken out of water as will list condition of Hull and any repairs needed and completed before buying one.

As asked friend of they had any advice as they rent one out for the day for parties.

[snapper]

Get a Marine Survey (or it's inland waterway equivilant) done before buying.

Apart from going over it with a fine tooth comb (as they say) the point's I would be VERY interested in (and requiring proof of condition) are:

In date Boat Safety Certificate.
Electrical Test Certificate (Consider getting it tested anyway).
Gas Test Certificate (Consider getting it tested anyway).
When were the anodes replaced.
Hull thickness (leads from the anode replacement).
Rudder, stock and associated bearings thickness & condition (leads from the anode replacement).
Prop condition (leads from the anode replacement).
Soft furnishings, are they fully compliant with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988/1989, 1993 and 2010.
Condition of the ropes / fenders etc.
Are the Fire Extinguishers in date and suitable for the Boat.
Are there any Life Jackets, and if so are they in good working order and suitable for the conditions the Boat will be used for.

[gregster]

Have had a few boats over the years, and its true what they say...
"boats are a hole in the water into which you pour money"...

Living on a boat as a cheap option, isnt always as it seems...You have gotta want the life style or it will be an expensive mistake.

Might be an idea to rent a boat for 6 months first to give a proper idea of what its about, costs, and whether you like it.

The image of boat life on a summers day is way different from the reality of frozen decks and pontoons where drowning is a daily risk, and everything is always damp though the winter.

Find a mooring, where you want to be, as thats the hard part, then find a boat to fit it.

Have a drugs test, and take more if you think living on a boat in this climate is still a good idea.

[westo123]

Again many thanks, I have passed them on.

[Fatbaz]

your garden, though vast, is permanently water logged. On the plus side you don't next doors cat dumping around your roses!

[Davey j]

There are two very happy days in a bot owner's life.

Day 1. Buying the boat.
Day 2. Selling the boat.

[snapper]

Back in the day when offshore cruising and racing we reckoned that the yachts were on average 1k / mtr plus cost of the sails etc, and you get the same effect by standing on the end of the jetty in a storm just ripping up 10 pound notes.... ie, get soaked, cold and end up broke!